Package opener



April 25, 1944. K. c. WEST PACKAGE OPE NEH Filed Aug. 14. 1942 Inventorf/ezznefi/ C PVeSZ.

By @5 0; Ma

Patented Apr. 25, 1944 UNETED PASKAGE @PWR Kenneth C. West, i

: Wand, Nebr- 2 Qlaims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in openem forpackages, and more particularly cigarette packages.

The pincipal object of the present invention is to provide a device foropening cigarette packages, which will not only conveniently open thepackage but also elevate some of the end elserettes, to the end that thefirst cigarette accessible can be readily removed.

Another important object 15 to provide a string type opener which willrupture the usual revenue stamp when operated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent tothe reader of the following description.

In the drawing Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a packageequipped with the improved opener.

Figure 2 is a perspective view after the package has been opened andcertain accessible cigarettes elevated.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the package before opening.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view showing how the openergoes under certain of the cigarettes of the package.

Referring to the drawing wherein like numerals designate like parts, itcan be seen that numeral 5 represents a conventional cigarette packagehaving the usual seal 8. Usually, these packages are opened at the top.toward one side of the seal 6.

In carrying out the present invention, the opener element consists ofanelongated string or strand I. This string 1 is disposed under thelower ends of the three most accessible cigarettes A, that is of thecorner portion 01- the package to be torn open. The upper leg portionsof the thus U-formed string I are disposed in a crossed disposition inthe folded edge portions 9 of the overlapping top portion Hi, the endportions -41 being brought through a small opening at the upper edge ofthe package as shown in Figure 1 with a portion of the string 1traversing the top of the package as at II. The outer ends of the stringare preferably with a tab H which can be ori inally adhered to thepackage as suggested in Figure 1.

Of course, the end portions a, a could be disposed under the seal 8 sothat the seal can also ends of the string 1 simultaneously, the top ofthe package will be cut across by the portion ii of the string, as theportions'disposed in the folds 8, it will rip open this particular topportion of the package and a continual pull on the string will result inan elevational of the first few cigarettes under which the bight of thestring is disposed, and which cigarettes are generally difficult toreach in the initial opening of a fresh package of cigarettes.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specificterms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, sizeand materials may be resorted to without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

i. In combination with a package having a folded top portion, anelongated flexible element having a loop portion disposed downwardly inthe package along opposite sides thereof and across the bottom of saidpackage under certain articles therein to be removed, the upper portionsof the element being crossed at the top of the package with bothterminals extended to one side of the package, said upper portions ofthe elongated element being disposed under the cover portion of thepackage.

2. In combination with a package having a folded top portion, and asealing stamp extending across said top and part way down one side ofthe package, an elongated flexible element having a portion disposeddownwardly in the package and under certain articles therein to beremoved, the upper portions of the element being crossed at one side ofsaid stamp with both terminals extended to said one side of the packageand diagonally along said side beneath said stamp. said upper portionsof the elongated element being disposed under the cover portion of thepackage, and in the folds defined by the said top portion.

KENNETH C. WEST.

